Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted March 6, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 6, 2018 3 hours ago, Rosetta said: This ping pong thing must mean you are getting there Hey no problem Rosetta. I'm on one today..........easily offended by psychiatric labeling reminders. I agree and it helped me to look at the ping pong days......... as healing, healing toward neurostasis..... and regrowth, and repair days. Do what you can and do your best. I was reading a bit more on neuroplasticity today............. I'll just leave you with this one: https://beyondmeds.com/2013/01/17/neuroplasticity-enormous-implications/ I'm kind of excited because I get to go see Norman Doige speak in a couple of weeks, he has written some books on the subject. I'm also a bit terrified of being in rooms filled with psychiatrists, social workers, and psychotherapists. I'll do my best though. Love and peace and growth and healing and there is still beauty........don't miss it... mmt Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing Link to comment
DaveB Posted March 6, 2018 Author Share Posted March 6, 2018 4 hours ago, Rosetta said: @manymoretodays Dave probably got that term from me. I used "rapid cycling" without realizing it's a term used to describe bi-polar cycling. I meant it literally -- hours of anxiety followed by relative calm followed by the anxiety coming back relentlessly. That or one day cortisol awakening and none the next. It's basically very short windows that are perceptible at the time. I can't put my finger on why this is more distressing than having long waves that last for days. Maybe it's simply that I was hoping my longer windows were permanent and the waves were going to become shorter and shorter. Instead, I'm a ping pong ball suffering everyday almost. I have no life. Dave, you are going to stabilize. I can feel it. This ping pong thing must mean you are getting there. (For me, I'm not so sure. It's tracking a different issue that you don't have to worry about.). Try to keep the stress down, rest when you can, and don't let anyone's opinion of your behavior stop you from doing what you need to heal. Shut your door and listen to meditations. Leave your office for walks. Eat when and what you need to. You are the boss -- take advantage of that and get well. I'll be thinking of you. -- Rosetta Thanks Rosetta, I feel I will stabilize at some point, but wow this has been a long slog. Not sure why I am still up and down so much with anxiety throughout my day, is this common this far into a hold? Maybe @Gridley or @brassmonkey have some insights on this? 2008 - October 28th, 2016: Zoloft 50 - 150 mgs, settled on 50mgs from 2011 - 2016. January 23rd - March 1st 2017: Zoloft 50mgs, direct switch to Lexapro. March 1st - May 1st 2017: Lexapro 10 mgs, down to 5mgs for a week, then off. June 1st - July 31st 2017: Paxil 20mgs, Lyrica 600mgs August 1st - September 30th 2017: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs October 1st - November 12th 2017: Paxil 60mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs November 12th, 2017 - September 4th 2018: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 4th - September 27th: Paxil 30mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 28th - November 7th: Paxil 20mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs (Also Testosterone Therapy started in June 2018 and ended in November 2018) November 7th 2018 - February 22nd 2019: Paxil 10mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs February 22nd 2019 - April 17th: Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin 1mgs April 17th - Now: Zoloft 25mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin .5mgs Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted March 6, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 6, 2018 (edited) Double reply DaveB. I just replied at the same time. I'll vote yes, common this far into a hold. Thinking of you as well........sure wishing you could take some breaks from the "boss" business. For your family. For yourself. Alas, maybe the boys will have some ideas. Edited March 6, 2018 by manymoretodays Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted March 6, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 6, 2018 Yes, as mmt says, up-and-down anxiety is common this far into a hold, also varying cortisol symptoms. That there is good along with the bad indicates the hold is heading you in the right direction. Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper. Taper is 95% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper. Current dose as of April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs. Link to comment
Mentor FarmGirlWorks Posted March 6, 2018 Mentor Share Posted March 6, 2018 On 3/1/2018 at 10:49 AM, Rosetta said: I keep beating myself up for not pulling myself up and just doing whatever would have resolved this anxiety in the past. However, when I do pull myself up there seems to be no correlation between my actions and my feeling of anxiety. Ah, yes: I, too, am dealing the WD brain telling me I am stupid, lazy and apathetic all the time. It is a rough ride and takes a lot of mental fortitude to remind oneself that it is just a healing and still sick brain saying that. Prozac | late 2004-mid-2005 | CT WD in a couple months, mostly emotional Sertraline 50-100mg | 11/2011-3/2014, 10/2014-3/2017 Sertraline fast taper March 2017, 4 weeks, OFF sertraline April 1, 2017 Quit alcohol May 20, 2017 Lifestyle changes: AA, kundalini yoga "If you've seen a monster, even if it's horrible, that's evidence of divinity." – Damien Echols Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted March 6, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 6, 2018 To me, one of the most important (and healing) attitudes is: be kind and compassionate to yourself. Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper. Taper is 95% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper. Current dose as of April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs. Link to comment
DaveB Posted March 7, 2018 Author Share Posted March 7, 2018 Wanted to document today as being the 1st day in quite a long time (honestly don't know when) that my morning anxiety (cortisol?) was not too bad. It was there, but didn't hit until about 7:15 and was not crushing at all. Just wanted to note a small win for me, seems I tend to only post about things that are not going well. Pins and needle feelings have pretty much gone away again, and my IBS seems to have also settled. If my morning anxiety turns out to be the worst anxiety I have today (like my general pattern) today will be a great day! 2008 - October 28th, 2016: Zoloft 50 - 150 mgs, settled on 50mgs from 2011 - 2016. January 23rd - March 1st 2017: Zoloft 50mgs, direct switch to Lexapro. March 1st - May 1st 2017: Lexapro 10 mgs, down to 5mgs for a week, then off. June 1st - July 31st 2017: Paxil 20mgs, Lyrica 600mgs August 1st - September 30th 2017: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs October 1st - November 12th 2017: Paxil 60mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs November 12th, 2017 - September 4th 2018: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 4th - September 27th: Paxil 30mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 28th - November 7th: Paxil 20mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs (Also Testosterone Therapy started in June 2018 and ended in November 2018) November 7th 2018 - February 22nd 2019: Paxil 10mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs February 22nd 2019 - April 17th: Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin 1mgs April 17th - Now: Zoloft 25mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin .5mgs Link to comment
Hazel Posted March 7, 2018 Share Posted March 7, 2018 Awesome to hear this Dave!👍 Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Shrike Posted March 7, 2018 Share Posted March 7, 2018 33 minutes ago, DaveB said: Just wanted to note a small win for me This is wonderful news Dave thanks for sharing the "win". I wonder if there is something in the air, I just put up a post on how my cortisol brain has been getting better as well. What else do you think is working? I try not to overanalyze "what happened" but sometimes a quick look back can be helpful in revealing a behavior change from the previous day, etc. Just thoughts... 4 year journey off of ADs, finally antidepressant free since July 2021! Still in protracted withdrawal but getting better (still 'injured' and impatient but so grateful to be getting my 'self' back...slowly...) 12 years total of SSRIs and SRNI use then 7 month break, then Mirtazapine for sleep Lexapro - 2005 - 2009 Effexor - 2009 - 2012 (tried to get off, tapered down, quit for a few weeks) Pristiq - 2012 - 2014 Lexapro - 2013 - 2016 Buspirone - 2013 - 2018 (30-60 mg) Klonopin - 2013 - 2018 (1-3 mg) Abilify - 2016 Remeron - 2016 Cymbalta - 2016 (seemed to start working but GI side effects were horrible) Celexa - 2017 Pristiq - 2017 (few months, made me switch to generic - didn't "work") Fetzima - 2017 (few months - kinda worked but anxiety literally drove me crazy - obsessive thoughts) Trintellenix - 2017 (felt like a psychotic break, fast taper [too fast] ended November 15, 2017) No ADs - 7 months free of antidepressants (very glad I did it, but no sleep was agony - so desperate I surrendered to Mirtazapine prescription) Slow methodical taper off of Clonazepam (~2017 - 2018) Mirtazapine - June 2018 to July 2021 Antidepressant free since July 2021! Link to comment
powerback Posted March 7, 2018 Share Posted March 7, 2018 1 hour ago, DaveB said: Wanted to document today as being the 1st day in quite a long time (honestly don't know when) that my morning anxiety (cortisol?) was not too bad. It was there, but didn't hit until about 7:15 and was not crushing at all. Just wanted to note a small win for me, seems I tend to only post about things that are not going well. Pins and needle feelings have pretty much gone away again, and my IBS seems to have also settled. If my morning anxiety turns out to be the worst anxiety I have today (like my general pattern) today will be a great day! Great stuff Dave . Alcohol free since February 2015 1MG diazepam 4.5MG PROZAC. Link to comment
DaveB Posted March 8, 2018 Author Share Posted March 8, 2018 Well yesterday wasn't as "great" as I hoped it would be in the morning. Anxiety crept up throughout the day and at times was quite strong. However, I woke this morning again to almost NO cortisol anxiety! Not sure what is going on, but two days in a row of a fairly normal morning is incredible for me, something I didn't even know was possible anymore. 2008 - October 28th, 2016: Zoloft 50 - 150 mgs, settled on 50mgs from 2011 - 2016. January 23rd - March 1st 2017: Zoloft 50mgs, direct switch to Lexapro. March 1st - May 1st 2017: Lexapro 10 mgs, down to 5mgs for a week, then off. June 1st - July 31st 2017: Paxil 20mgs, Lyrica 600mgs August 1st - September 30th 2017: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs October 1st - November 12th 2017: Paxil 60mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs November 12th, 2017 - September 4th 2018: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 4th - September 27th: Paxil 30mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 28th - November 7th: Paxil 20mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs (Also Testosterone Therapy started in June 2018 and ended in November 2018) November 7th 2018 - February 22nd 2019: Paxil 10mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs February 22nd 2019 - April 17th: Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin 1mgs April 17th - Now: Zoloft 25mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin .5mgs Link to comment
DaveB Posted March 8, 2018 Author Share Posted March 8, 2018 I have read some stuff by Dr Shipko since I heard his name a bunch on this site. Seems he doesn't really think everybody does get better from this and likens it to TD that never gets better. I guess I shouldn't have read it as it has kind of triggered me a bit, though not too terribly which I think shows my improvement. What are your thoughts on this @brassmonkey @Gridley @Rosetta @manymoretodays @JanCarol? https://www.madinamerica.com/2013/08/ssri-discontinuation-is-even-more-problematic-than-acknowledged/ https://www.madinamerica.com/2014/07/shooting-odds-revisited/ https://www.madinamerica.com/2015/09/shooting-the-odds-part-iii/ 2008 - October 28th, 2016: Zoloft 50 - 150 mgs, settled on 50mgs from 2011 - 2016. January 23rd - March 1st 2017: Zoloft 50mgs, direct switch to Lexapro. March 1st - May 1st 2017: Lexapro 10 mgs, down to 5mgs for a week, then off. June 1st - July 31st 2017: Paxil 20mgs, Lyrica 600mgs August 1st - September 30th 2017: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs October 1st - November 12th 2017: Paxil 60mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs November 12th, 2017 - September 4th 2018: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 4th - September 27th: Paxil 30mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 28th - November 7th: Paxil 20mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs (Also Testosterone Therapy started in June 2018 and ended in November 2018) November 7th 2018 - February 22nd 2019: Paxil 10mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs February 22nd 2019 - April 17th: Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin 1mgs April 17th - Now: Zoloft 25mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin .5mgs Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted March 8, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 8, 2018 Dr. Shipko sees the worst-off of the worst-off and he draws his conclusions from his patient base. Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper. Taper is 95% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper. Current dose as of April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs. Link to comment
Dalalea Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 3 hours ago, DaveB said: this morning again to almost NO cortisol anxiety! That's encouraging! Praying it's the start of a trend! Dalalea's Introduction Off All SSRI Medications: Effexor 2010 one monthSertraline 50 mg. but only took 25 mg. daily because of dizziness. 2010 to July 2017 Tapered over 2 months beginning the 1st of June 2017 -- Off Sertraline by July 30, 2017 Current Medication: Losartan (blood pressure), Albuterol (for asthma- only as needed)Current Symptoms: tinnitus, hearing loss in one ear, allergies My Plan: Prayer, Scripture, Walk, Yoga, Encourage Others, Healthy EatingGeneric SSRI Withdrawal Symptom and Plan Checklists and Graph.xlsx Current Supplements: Magnesium Threonate, Fish Oil, probiotic, B-12, C, D-3 Current Essential Oils: Frankincense, Bergamot, Orange, Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint, CloveCurrent Essential Oil Blends: Brain Power, Clarity, Stress Away Link to comment
Rosetta Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 Whoomhoo! Two days without a cortisol morning. That's wonderful, Dave! You may see Altostrata's comments under that article you posted. She gave Shipko a really hard time about that article. She disagrees with him as to whether people can heal, and she was angry that he was irresponsible in the way he wrote the article. (The article's conclusion does not apply to your case, Dave.). It could work to dash the hopes of people like us if we are not yet able to understand the idea of reducing the meds/avoiding new meds as a form of treatment. Hope is the most important thing we have, and if we can get off these meds (or get the dose down low enough) we can allow the CNS to heal. We can regain our lives but Shipko, who appears to mean well, is a doctor. He sees people he can't help with more medicine. So, he sees his patients as very, very difficult cases. Truthfully, as long as the patient is looking for a doctor to fix this injury, the patient doesn't have much hope. Every medicine used to fix the patient is likely to re-injure the patient by further destabilizing the CNS. Even those that might help are likely to be prescribed incorrectly. If the patient can embrace the idea that by tapering off and avoiding additional drugs he can heal then the patient will heal,* but no doctor is going to be supported by his profession in helping the patient take that road. This is where what is known as "unpatienting oneself" comes in to play. (*Of course, people with life threatening symptoms such as chronic insomnia may not have the luxury of avoiding all medicine. I'm not sure what the solution is for that sub-group.) https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/16629-rosetta-ct-may-2011-too-fast-taper-feb-2017/?page=25 2001-2011 Celexa 10 mg raised to 40 mg then 60 mg over this time period May 2011 OB Doctor's Cold switch Celexa 60 mg to 10 mg Zoloft sertraline (baby born) 2012-2016 - Doctors raised dose of Zoloft up to 150 mg 2016 - Xanax prescribed - as needed - 0.5 mg about every 3 days (bad reaction) 2016 - Stopped Xanax Late 2016- Began (too fast) taper of Zoloft Early 2017 - Trazodone prescribed for bedtime (doseage unknown) Feb 2017 - Completed taper/stopped Trazodone Drug free since Feb 2017 2017 - Unisom otc very rarely for sleep Link to comment
DaveB Posted March 8, 2018 Author Share Posted March 8, 2018 2 hours ago, Rosetta said: Whoomhoo! Two days without a cortisol morning. That's wonderful, Dave! You may see Altostrata's comments under that article you posted. She gave Shipko a really hard time about that article. She disagrees with him as to whether people can heal, and she was angry that he was irresponsible in the way he wrote the article. (The article's conclusion does not apply to your case, Dave.). It could work to dash the hopes of people like us if we are not yet able to understand the idea of reducing the meds/avoiding new meds as a form of treatment. Hope is the most important thing we have, and if we can get off these meds (or get the dose down low enough) we can allow the CNS to heal. We can regain our lives but Shipko, who appears to mean well, is a doctor. He sees people he can't help with more medicine. So, he sees his patients as very, very difficult cases. Truthfully, as long as the patient is looking for a doctor to fix this injury, the patient doesn't have much hope. Every medicine used to fix the patient is likely to re-injure the patient by further destabilizing the CNS. Even those that might help are likely to be prescribed incorrectly. If the patient can embrace the idea that by tapering off and avoiding additional drugs he can heal then the patient will heal,* but no doctor is going to be supported by his profession in helping the patient take that road. This is where what is known as "unpatienting oneself" comes in to play. (*Of course, people with life threatening symptoms such as chronic insomnia may not have the luxury of avoiding all medicine. I'm not sure what the solution is for that sub-group.) I didn't see Altostrata's (unrelated note: I wonder if I have done or said something that makes her not like me, she has never posted on my thread) comments, so thanks for pointing that out. Two non-cortisol mornings have been great, I can't believe I am actually saying this, but I wish the rest of my day the last two days would have the same anxiety level as the mornings. So the anxiety is flaring up a few times a day, but mornings have not been one of those times...really weird. I just want one anxiety free day to show myself I am truly on the right track, is that too much to ask? I guess now I am just being stubborn as a few weeks ago I had never had a non-cortisol morning (well in a year), so I would have given anything to experience one. I will take it as a definitive sign of improvement and healing, and look for more to come. 2008 - October 28th, 2016: Zoloft 50 - 150 mgs, settled on 50mgs from 2011 - 2016. January 23rd - March 1st 2017: Zoloft 50mgs, direct switch to Lexapro. March 1st - May 1st 2017: Lexapro 10 mgs, down to 5mgs for a week, then off. June 1st - July 31st 2017: Paxil 20mgs, Lyrica 600mgs August 1st - September 30th 2017: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs October 1st - November 12th 2017: Paxil 60mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs November 12th, 2017 - September 4th 2018: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 4th - September 27th: Paxil 30mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 28th - November 7th: Paxil 20mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs (Also Testosterone Therapy started in June 2018 and ended in November 2018) November 7th 2018 - February 22nd 2019: Paxil 10mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs February 22nd 2019 - April 17th: Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin 1mgs April 17th - Now: Zoloft 25mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin .5mgs Link to comment
DaveB Posted March 8, 2018 Author Share Posted March 8, 2018 3 hours ago, Dalalea said: That's encouraging! Praying it's the start of a trend! You and me both. It is very encouraging, hopefully the rest of the day will start following suit! 2008 - October 28th, 2016: Zoloft 50 - 150 mgs, settled on 50mgs from 2011 - 2016. January 23rd - March 1st 2017: Zoloft 50mgs, direct switch to Lexapro. March 1st - May 1st 2017: Lexapro 10 mgs, down to 5mgs for a week, then off. June 1st - July 31st 2017: Paxil 20mgs, Lyrica 600mgs August 1st - September 30th 2017: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs October 1st - November 12th 2017: Paxil 60mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs November 12th, 2017 - September 4th 2018: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 4th - September 27th: Paxil 30mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 28th - November 7th: Paxil 20mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs (Also Testosterone Therapy started in June 2018 and ended in November 2018) November 7th 2018 - February 22nd 2019: Paxil 10mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs February 22nd 2019 - April 17th: Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin 1mgs April 17th - Now: Zoloft 25mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin .5mgs Link to comment
Cheeky Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 Dave your doing really well, two morning without anxiety is great, you watch how you will gradually improve over time. I wrote to Dr Shipko and told him my situation and his reply was , " if your feeling okay on the drugs, then stay on them", What a wanka of a reply. Don't read too many negative things because it just feeds or anxiety. Were going to beat this buddy. 1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg 2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg of Seroquel Through the years made many mistakes tapering Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 7.5% per month Paxil 9% Seroquel doing daily micro-taper Guided by Mark Horowitz 31/3/24 Paxil 10.31mg 31/3/24 Seroquel 9.9mg Link to comment
Kristine Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 Just now, Cheeky said: What a wanka of a reply Just butting in...oh Cheeky! This made me laugh! Such a fabulous Aussie term Citalopram 20mg - 40mg ~ approx 2010 - October 2015 (stopped over one week) Parnate 20mg - 50mg and olazapine 5mg ~ Jan 2016 - May 2016 (ceased over 2 days) Lithium 450mg-900 mg and Thyroxin ~May 2016 - May 2017 Diazepam various doses (including PRN) ~ 2015 - 2017 Oxazepam various doses (including PRN) ~ May 2016 - June 2016 Lurasidone 20mg ~Mid May 2016 - Mid June 2016 Vortioxetine 10mg - 20mg ~ 6th June 2016 - 20th July 2016 (abruptly ceased) Amitriptyline 200mg ~July 2016 - September 2016 (ceased over 1 week) Nortriptyline (dose ?) ~October 2016 ~ November 2016 (abruptly ceased) Seroquel XR 100mg - 300mg ~ May 2016 - August 2017 (ceased over 3 weeks) Escitalopram 10mg - 30mg ~ August 2016 - March 2017 (ceased over 2 weeks) Bupropion 300mg ~ December 2016 - May 2017 (ceased over 1 week) Clonazepam 1.5mg daily ~ July 2016 (started tapering May 2017 - September 2017 currently on 0.375mg..ie 0.125mg TDS) 27th May 2018 5% 0.357mg (possible paradoxical reaction - see benzo thread) 28th June 5% 0.337mg, 28th July 10% 0.303mg, 12th September10% 0.272mg, 18th September reinstated 10% due to intolerable WD 0.303mg, 1st October-11th Oct 10% (1% reduction over 10 days) 0.272mg, 22nd October clonazepam ceased crossed over 10mg diazepam Dexamphatamine 20mg ~ December 2016 (started tapering October 2017 - tapered 1.25mg 4th Dec 2017, 1.25mg 19th Dec 2017 6.25mg, Speed up decrease due to major interaction between Dex and fluoxetine- ref to thread 10% 17th Feb 2018 5.63mg, 10% 21st Feb 2018 5.1mg, 10% 26th Feb 2018 4.5mg 10% 28th Feb 4.1mg, 10% 1st March 3.7mg, 10% 5th March 3.3mg, 10% 8th March 3mg, 10% 10th March 2.7mg, 10% 12th March 2.4mg, 10% 14th March 2.16mg, 10% 16th March 1.94mg, 10% 18th March 1.74mg, 10% 20th March 1.57mg, 10% 21st March 1.41mg, 10% 22nd March 1.26mg, 10% 23rd March 1.13mg, 10% 24th March 1.01mg, 10% 25th March 0.9mg, 10% 27th March 0.81mg, 10% 29th March 0.73mg, 10% 31st March 0.66mg, 10% 2nd April 0.59mg , 10% 4th April 0.53mg, 10% 6th April 0.47mg, 10% 8th April 0.42mg, 10%10th April 0.37mg, 11th April 0.2mg, 12th April 0.1mg (last dose) OFF! Fluoxetine 40mg ~December 2016 - 31 Jan 2018 reduced to 20mg (probable serotonin toxicity) 10th March 2020 10mg (1:1 ratio), 7th April 9mg, 1st May 8.5mg, 15th May 8.0mg, 27th May 7.5mg, 8th Sept 7.2mg, 2nd Oct 7mg, 19th Oct 6.8mg, 28th Oct 6.6mg, 5th Nov 6.4mg, 26th Nov 6mg, 2nd April 2021 5.9mg, 9th April 5.8mg, 19th April 5.75mg, 22nd April 5.7mg, 26th April 5.65mg,28th April 5.6mg, 1st May 5.5mg, 4th May 5.45mg, 7th May 5.4mg, 10th May 5.35mg, 12th May 5.3mg, 15th May 5.25mg, 18th May 5.2mg, 20th May 5.15mg, 22nd May 5mg, 10th July 4.5mg, 9th Aug 4.48mg (switched from syringe to pipette method), 12th Aug 4.46mg, 14th Aug 4.4mg, 18th Aug 4.38mg, 19th Aug 4.36mg, 20th Aug 4.34, 21st 4.32mg, 22nd 4.3mg, 23rd Aug 4mg (hold), (micro-taper) 12th Oct 2021 3.98mg, 14th Oct 3.96mg, 15th Oct 3.94mg, 16th Oct 3.92mg, 17th Oct 3.9mg, 18th Oct 3.88mg, 19th Oct 3.86mg, 21st Oct 3.84mg, 22nd Oct 3.82mg, 23rd Oct 3.8mg, 24th Oct 3.78mg, 25th Oct 3.76mg, 26th Oct 3.74mg, 27th Oct 3.72mg, (WD reached intolerable level, reinstated 0.06mg) 28th Oct 3.8mg, 7th March 2022 3.7mg, 21st March 3.6mg, 4th April 3.5mg, 18th April 3.4mg, 2nd May 3.3mg, 16th May 3.2mg, 20th June 3.1mg, 4th July 3mg, 18th July 2.9mg, 12th September 2.7mg, 18th October 2.5mg, 14th Nov 2.3mg, 12th December 2.1mg, 18th January 2023 1.9mg, 9th July 2023 1.88mg, 16th July 1.86mg, 23rd July 1.84mg, 30th July 1.82mg, 6th Aug 1.80mg, 10th Sept 1.7mg, 12th Oct 1.68mg, 23rd Oct 1.66mg, 30th Oct 1.64mg, 6th Nov 1.62mg, 13th Nov 1.60mg, (2:1 ratio) 30th Dec 1.597mg, 7th Jan 2024 1.595mg, 8th 1.592mg, 10th 1.589, 11th 1.587, 12th 1.585, 13th 1.583, 14th 1.58 cont… 5th Feb 1.56mg, 11th Feb 1.55mg, 19th Feb 1.54mg, 26th Feb 1.53mg, 4th March 1.52mg, 11th March 1.51mg, 25th March 1.50mg, 1st April 1.49mg, 8th April 1.48mg, 15th April 1.47mg, 22nd April 1.46mg, 29th April 1.45mg Diazepam 10mg ~ 22nd Oct 2018, 10th November 8mg, 14th Nov 7mg, 8th December 6mg, 30th December 5mg (Nocte), 7th March 2019 4.5mg,14th March 4mg, 5th April 3.5mg, 9th April 3mg, 18th April 2.5mg,1st May 2mg, 17th May 1.75mg, 25th May 1.6mg, 4th June 1.59mg, 5th June 1.58mg, 6th June 1.57mg, 7th June 1.56mg, 8th June 1.55mg, 22nd June 1.4mg, 4th July 1.2mg, 16th July 1mg, 30th July 0.8mg, 13th Aug 0.6mg, 28th Aug 0.4mg, 10th Sept 0.2mg, 23rd Sept Off! SR Circadin 2mg (melatonin) 25th May - 20th June Zolpidem 10mg 25th May (7 tablets) Supplements: Magnesium glycinate (soluble - sip throughout the day) "Whenever you feel yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come. Remember everything you have faced, all the battles you have won, and all the fears you have overcome" Unknown Link to comment
Cheeky Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 1 minute ago, Kristine said: Just butting in...oh Cheeky! This made me laugh! Such a fabulous Aussie term Thanks Kristine, cant take an Aussie Bogan out of me 1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg 2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg of Seroquel Through the years made many mistakes tapering Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 7.5% per month Paxil 9% Seroquel doing daily micro-taper Guided by Mark Horowitz 31/3/24 Paxil 10.31mg 31/3/24 Seroquel 9.9mg Link to comment
DaveB Posted March 10, 2018 Author Share Posted March 10, 2018 So I slept in today! After no cortisol anxiety Wednesday and Thursday I had a pretty good bout with morning cortisol Friday. On Friday anxiety peaked at bout 1-2 PM then subsided to a low level at night. Went skiing with my boys and anxiety didn't interfere much. This morning I woke as usual at 7 with some anxiety, but went BACK TO SLEEP til about 8:15. I have been unable to really do that for a long time, so I am hoping this is signs of me stabilizing. Alas, even when I have had no cortisol in the mornings, I have still been having pretty good bouts of anxiety throughout the day, but I think with these new changes I should be hopeful...right? 2008 - October 28th, 2016: Zoloft 50 - 150 mgs, settled on 50mgs from 2011 - 2016. January 23rd - March 1st 2017: Zoloft 50mgs, direct switch to Lexapro. March 1st - May 1st 2017: Lexapro 10 mgs, down to 5mgs for a week, then off. June 1st - July 31st 2017: Paxil 20mgs, Lyrica 600mgs August 1st - September 30th 2017: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs October 1st - November 12th 2017: Paxil 60mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs November 12th, 2017 - September 4th 2018: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 4th - September 27th: Paxil 30mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 28th - November 7th: Paxil 20mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs (Also Testosterone Therapy started in June 2018 and ended in November 2018) November 7th 2018 - February 22nd 2019: Paxil 10mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs February 22nd 2019 - April 17th: Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin 1mgs April 17th - Now: Zoloft 25mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin .5mgs Link to comment
AliG Posted March 10, 2018 Share Posted March 10, 2018 Dave ~ that is so hopeful ~ let's hope it keeps up for you ~ This can take a good while but it looks very encouraging for you, at this point. Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
DaveB Posted March 10, 2018 Author Share Posted March 10, 2018 2 hours ago, AliG said: Dave ~ that is so hopeful ~ let's hope it keeps up for you ~ This can take a good while but it looks very encouraging for you, at this point. Yeah, I am still dealing with pretty strong anxiety throughout the day, but the morning change has been encouraging and has to point towards healing. 2008 - October 28th, 2016: Zoloft 50 - 150 mgs, settled on 50mgs from 2011 - 2016. January 23rd - March 1st 2017: Zoloft 50mgs, direct switch to Lexapro. March 1st - May 1st 2017: Lexapro 10 mgs, down to 5mgs for a week, then off. June 1st - July 31st 2017: Paxil 20mgs, Lyrica 600mgs August 1st - September 30th 2017: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs October 1st - November 12th 2017: Paxil 60mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs November 12th, 2017 - September 4th 2018: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 4th - September 27th: Paxil 30mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 28th - November 7th: Paxil 20mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs (Also Testosterone Therapy started in June 2018 and ended in November 2018) November 7th 2018 - February 22nd 2019: Paxil 10mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs February 22nd 2019 - April 17th: Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin 1mgs April 17th - Now: Zoloft 25mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin .5mgs Link to comment
Ryder Posted March 10, 2018 Share Posted March 10, 2018 On 3/9/2018 at 7:02 AM, DaveB said: I have read some stuff by Dr Shipko since I heard his name a bunch on this site. Seems he doesn't really think everybody does get better from this and likens it to TD that never gets better. I guess I shouldn't have read it as it has kind of triggered me a bit, though not too terribly which I think shows my improvement. What are your thoughts on this @brassmonkey @Gridley @Rosetta @manymoretodays @JanCarol? https://www.madinamerica.com/2013/08/ssri-discontinuation-is-even-more-problematic-than-acknowledged/ https://www.madinamerica.com/2014/07/shooting-odds-revisited/ https://www.madinamerica.com/2015/09/shooting-the-odds-part-iii/ No, the brain is completely malleable. It does heal. it just takes time. 2008-2012: Cymbalta, Zyprexa, Valium (5 days supply), 2012 - Seroquel x 4 weeks C/T. 2014 - Seroquel x 2 Weeks C/T. Crossed to Risperidone 3mg for 6months until December. 2014 - Stopped Risperidone. Xfer > Anti-Depressant 200mg Zoloft and 6mg Clonazepam. 2018 - 150mg Clomipromine changed Anti-depressant. Tapered Benzo to 1mg Clonazepam. 2019 - xfer to 20mg Diazepam. Currently: Anafranil: 75mg. 17th Dec 2022 70mg. 27th Dec 22: 75mg, 14 January 23': 70mg. 16-26th January: 50mg (too fast drop no sleep). Jan 28th 2023: 70mg. 20 Feb 2023: 65mg. 11/06: 60mg 9/08: 55mg 15/08/23 : 50mg 3/03/2024: 60mg (Updose) 25/04: 57.5mg Diazepam (V): 25th Oct 2019' 20mg. 22 Dec 19' 19mg. 04 Apr 2020' 18mg, 30 September 20' 17.5mg , 13 Nov 2020' 17mg. 01 January 2021: 16mg, 13th Aug 21' 15mg. 1st Nov' 2021 14.5mg. 1st Dec' 2021 14mg. 13 January 2022: 13.5mg, 11 Feb: 13mg. 11 April 22' 12.5mg, 12 May 22': 12mg, 6th September 2022: 11mg Valium. 9th October: 10.5mg, 25th Oct 10mg. 12 March 23: 9.5mg 2 April: 9.25mg 23 April: 9mg 12/05: 8.75 26/05: 8.5 12/09: 8.25 21/09: 8.5. 3/10: 8.25 17/10: 8mg 20th Nov Brassmonkey: (7.9.,7.8, 7.75) 5 Feb: 7.25mg. 23 Feb: 7mg *. Have tried to go at faster rate than 0.5mg but is currently too fast. Link to comment
DaveB Posted March 10, 2018 Author Share Posted March 10, 2018 1 hour ago, Ryder said: No, the brain is completely malleable. It does heal. it just takes time. I totally agree with this statement, though why doesn't it heal sometimes with movement disorders such as TD, Dystonia, and such? Are they that different to what we have experienced? 2008 - October 28th, 2016: Zoloft 50 - 150 mgs, settled on 50mgs from 2011 - 2016. January 23rd - March 1st 2017: Zoloft 50mgs, direct switch to Lexapro. March 1st - May 1st 2017: Lexapro 10 mgs, down to 5mgs for a week, then off. June 1st - July 31st 2017: Paxil 20mgs, Lyrica 600mgs August 1st - September 30th 2017: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs October 1st - November 12th 2017: Paxil 60mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs November 12th, 2017 - September 4th 2018: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 4th - September 27th: Paxil 30mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 28th - November 7th: Paxil 20mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs (Also Testosterone Therapy started in June 2018 and ended in November 2018) November 7th 2018 - February 22nd 2019: Paxil 10mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs February 22nd 2019 - April 17th: Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin 1mgs April 17th - Now: Zoloft 25mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin .5mgs Link to comment
Rosetta Posted March 11, 2018 Share Posted March 11, 2018 It's wonderful that you are getting these breaks from the cortisol. We have had a steady rain here all day. It's needed. It's also been soothing to hear. How about you? Getting any rain? My dystonia is getting a lot better. It's absolutely criminal that these drugs haven't been the subject of studies on Lange term effects all these years. When the scientists said, "We don't know exactly how these work," a civilization that had any sense of self preservation would have required further study until someone had a pretty good idea what these drug do to people. Apparently, we aren't such a society. https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/16629-rosetta-ct-may-2011-too-fast-taper-feb-2017/?page=25 2001-2011 Celexa 10 mg raised to 40 mg then 60 mg over this time period May 2011 OB Doctor's Cold switch Celexa 60 mg to 10 mg Zoloft sertraline (baby born) 2012-2016 - Doctors raised dose of Zoloft up to 150 mg 2016 - Xanax prescribed - as needed - 0.5 mg about every 3 days (bad reaction) 2016 - Stopped Xanax Late 2016- Began (too fast) taper of Zoloft Early 2017 - Trazodone prescribed for bedtime (doseage unknown) Feb 2017 - Completed taper/stopped Trazodone Drug free since Feb 2017 2017 - Unisom otc very rarely for sleep Link to comment
DaveB Posted March 12, 2018 Author Share Posted March 12, 2018 On 3/10/2018 at 8:36 PM, Rosetta said: It's wonderful that you are getting these breaks from the cortisol. We have had a steady rain here all day. It's needed. It's also been soothing to hear. How about you? Getting any rain? My dystonia is getting a lot better. It's absolutely criminal that these drugs haven't been the subject of studies on Lange term effects all these years. When the scientists said, "We don't know exactly how these work," a civilization that had any sense of self preservation would have required further study until someone had a pretty good idea what these drug do to people. Apparently, we aren't such a society. Doing pretty good, no rain here, just nice sunny weather. No or very low cortisol in the AM the last two mornings, I have had some pretty strong anxiety spikes at points in the day, but now that cortisol mornings have calmed down A LOT (didn't think that would ever happen, it has been pretty much a solid year of them) I am hoping some anxiety free days are coming. So even though I still have anxiety really bad at times, I have to think the morning cortisol awakenings fading points to healing and better things ahead. 2008 - October 28th, 2016: Zoloft 50 - 150 mgs, settled on 50mgs from 2011 - 2016. January 23rd - March 1st 2017: Zoloft 50mgs, direct switch to Lexapro. March 1st - May 1st 2017: Lexapro 10 mgs, down to 5mgs for a week, then off. June 1st - July 31st 2017: Paxil 20mgs, Lyrica 600mgs August 1st - September 30th 2017: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs October 1st - November 12th 2017: Paxil 60mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs November 12th, 2017 - September 4th 2018: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 4th - September 27th: Paxil 30mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 28th - November 7th: Paxil 20mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs (Also Testosterone Therapy started in June 2018 and ended in November 2018) November 7th 2018 - February 22nd 2019: Paxil 10mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs February 22nd 2019 - April 17th: Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin 1mgs April 17th - Now: Zoloft 25mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin .5mgs Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted March 12, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 12, 2018 Great to hear, DaveB. Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper. Taper is 95% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper. Current dose as of April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs. Link to comment
DaveB Posted March 12, 2018 Author Share Posted March 12, 2018 2 minutes ago, Gridley said: Great to hear, DaveB. Yeah I am always hesitant to say things are good, because it can change so quickly in all of this, but the non-anxious mornings have been a very nice change. 2008 - October 28th, 2016: Zoloft 50 - 150 mgs, settled on 50mgs from 2011 - 2016. January 23rd - March 1st 2017: Zoloft 50mgs, direct switch to Lexapro. March 1st - May 1st 2017: Lexapro 10 mgs, down to 5mgs for a week, then off. June 1st - July 31st 2017: Paxil 20mgs, Lyrica 600mgs August 1st - September 30th 2017: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs October 1st - November 12th 2017: Paxil 60mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs November 12th, 2017 - September 4th 2018: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 4th - September 27th: Paxil 30mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 28th - November 7th: Paxil 20mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs (Also Testosterone Therapy started in June 2018 and ended in November 2018) November 7th 2018 - February 22nd 2019: Paxil 10mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs February 22nd 2019 - April 17th: Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin 1mgs April 17th - Now: Zoloft 25mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin .5mgs Link to comment
Hazel Posted March 12, 2018 Share Posted March 12, 2018 Great to hear you are doing better, Dave. I also am hesitant to say when things are good because of how quickly things change, but I guess we need to enjoy the good times while they last. Having anxiety-free mornings is the best! Almost as good as being able to have a good nights sleep. Here’s hoping to us getting both🤗 Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Mentor RachelSusan Posted March 13, 2018 Mentor Share Posted March 13, 2018 Hi Dave, I am responding to you on your thread. I just realized that I wrote you on Rosetta's thread, and feel like I wasn't being polite to her. It did give me a chance to say hello to Rosetta though, which was good. I don't know if your sense of the ironic is working but I wanted to share this with you. You mentioned wanting to get off of Zyprexa at some distant time in the future, perhaps even in another galaxy. Well not knowing what Zyprexa was I googled it. Below is a part of a quote I found: It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain. Oh my goodness, this is unbelievable, they almost make it sound like it's organic. It sounds like they grew it in a field between the free range chicken and the pesticide free vegetables, rather than it being a very strong chemical. I hope you can at least laugh a little at this. If not, then I owe you an apology as well. In the mean time I hope you keep improving. RS I am not a health professional in any way. I do not give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner. NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20, 575 to 500 (13%), Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER Feb. 2016 to June 2016 - Was on 150mg Zoloft. Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June 2016, reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016. From July 2016 to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper. STARTING SENSIBLE ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE Dec. 10 2016 - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg. Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mg. Feb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%). Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg. May 9, 2020 1.375 mg. June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%). July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%). August 15, 2020 1.0 mg. Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg. Nov. 28, 2020 .75mg. Jan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%). Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg. May 1, 2021 .375mg. May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg. October 2, 2021 .043mg. October 10, 2021 .038mg. October 23, 2021 .035mg. October 30, 2021 .032mg. Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg. Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg. Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY Link to comment
DaveB Posted March 15, 2018 Author Share Posted March 15, 2018 Wow I was in a very nice window the start of this week that unfortunately seems to be closing today. When will my window stay open so I can stabilize? Today feels like a real grind it out day this morning, which REALLY sucks as I was feeling so much better, especially in terms of cortisol mornings. Maybe today will surprise me as it is still very early on, but waking to a cortisol morning for no reason really sucks. Symptoms: Anxiety - I was almost ready to declare morning anxiety a thing of the past, but it slowly crept back in the last few days, today felt much more like a standard cortisol morning which really stinks. I have not had any anxiety free days, but Monday was pretty close, just had a couple pretty manageable bouts. Man I was really hoping this week wasn't just a window and was the stat of lasting stability. Inability to concentrate or enjoy things - I can enjoy things, but concentration can be tough when it is hard to ignore the anxiety. IBS - Has come back, even through my window. Oily Skin - Still there, but don't care. May not even be withdrawal related. Face Flushing and feeling "hot" - Still don't have much of this, maybe on occasion my ears or face will feel hot. Pins and Needles - This doesn't happen much these days, on occasion i will feel the adrenaline in arms and/or legs, but not a lot. Negative Thoughts - So tough to continue to tell yourself it will get better in the midst of anxiety. Sensitivity to Sound - Haven't noticed this for a few days. Maybe weeks. Sensitivity to Smell - Gone Shaking (especially in the hands) - Haven't noticed this for a few days. Maybe weeks. Burning Eyes - Gone, and was actually a real problem at one point. OCD/Intrusive Thoughts - Mostly gone. I get the occasional thought, but they aren't as "sticky". 2008 - October 28th, 2016: Zoloft 50 - 150 mgs, settled on 50mgs from 2011 - 2016. January 23rd - March 1st 2017: Zoloft 50mgs, direct switch to Lexapro. March 1st - May 1st 2017: Lexapro 10 mgs, down to 5mgs for a week, then off. June 1st - July 31st 2017: Paxil 20mgs, Lyrica 600mgs August 1st - September 30th 2017: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs October 1st - November 12th 2017: Paxil 60mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs November 12th, 2017 - September 4th 2018: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 4th - September 27th: Paxil 30mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 28th - November 7th: Paxil 20mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs (Also Testosterone Therapy started in June 2018 and ended in November 2018) November 7th 2018 - February 22nd 2019: Paxil 10mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs February 22nd 2019 - April 17th: Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin 1mgs April 17th - Now: Zoloft 25mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin .5mgs Link to comment
DaveB Posted March 15, 2018 Author Share Posted March 15, 2018 On 3/12/2018 at 6:51 PM, RachelSusan said: Hi Dave, I am responding to you on your thread. I just realized that I wrote you on Rosetta's thread, and feel like I wasn't being polite to her. It did give me a chance to say hello to Rosetta though, which was good. I don't know if your sense of the ironic is working but I wanted to share this with you. You mentioned wanting to get off of Zyprexa at some distant time in the future, perhaps even in another galaxy. Well not knowing what Zyprexa was I googled it. Below is a part of a quote I found: It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain. Oh my goodness, this is unbelievable, they almost make it sound like it's organic. It sounds like they grew it in a field between the free range chicken and the pesticide free vegetables, rather than it being a very strong chemical. I hope you can at least laugh a little at this. If not, then I owe you an apology as well. In the mean time I hope you keep improving. RS Yes I can laugh at this, thank you. Like I have said, the Zyprexa would be what I would like to taper 1st, but I just can't seem to get stable still. Every time I feel I am making some good progress, I go backwards. 2008 - October 28th, 2016: Zoloft 50 - 150 mgs, settled on 50mgs from 2011 - 2016. January 23rd - March 1st 2017: Zoloft 50mgs, direct switch to Lexapro. March 1st - May 1st 2017: Lexapro 10 mgs, down to 5mgs for a week, then off. June 1st - July 31st 2017: Paxil 20mgs, Lyrica 600mgs August 1st - September 30th 2017: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs October 1st - November 12th 2017: Paxil 60mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs November 12th, 2017 - September 4th 2018: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 4th - September 27th: Paxil 30mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 28th - November 7th: Paxil 20mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs (Also Testosterone Therapy started in June 2018 and ended in November 2018) November 7th 2018 - February 22nd 2019: Paxil 10mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs February 22nd 2019 - April 17th: Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin 1mgs April 17th - Now: Zoloft 25mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin .5mgs Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted March 15, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 15, 2018 Keep in mind how withdrawal works: it's non-linear with lots of window and wave activity. The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper. Taper is 95% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper. Current dose as of April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs. Link to comment
DaveB Posted March 15, 2018 Author Share Posted March 15, 2018 17 minutes ago, Gridley said: Keep in mind how withdrawal works: it's non-linear with lots of window and wave activity. The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization I know, I just keep waiting for the window that gets me to a level of lasting stability. Hopefully it is coming! 2008 - October 28th, 2016: Zoloft 50 - 150 mgs, settled on 50mgs from 2011 - 2016. January 23rd - March 1st 2017: Zoloft 50mgs, direct switch to Lexapro. March 1st - May 1st 2017: Lexapro 10 mgs, down to 5mgs for a week, then off. June 1st - July 31st 2017: Paxil 20mgs, Lyrica 600mgs August 1st - September 30th 2017: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs October 1st - November 12th 2017: Paxil 60mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs November 12th, 2017 - September 4th 2018: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 4th - September 27th: Paxil 30mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 28th - November 7th: Paxil 20mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs (Also Testosterone Therapy started in June 2018 and ended in November 2018) November 7th 2018 - February 22nd 2019: Paxil 10mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs February 22nd 2019 - April 17th: Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin 1mgs April 17th - Now: Zoloft 25mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin .5mgs Link to comment
Mentor RachelSusan Posted March 15, 2018 Mentor Share Posted March 15, 2018 Hi Dave, It's nice to hear from you. I'm glad your sense of humor is intact in spite of all your tribulations. I did want to mention something about stabilization, at least how it worked for me. It was a long time before I got completely symptom free. And yes, going backwards is sadly part of the process. It's soul crushing to feel relief and then wham, we get hit with this stuff once more. Having lived through a lot of the symptoms you have described all I can say is that is indeed pure h*ll. Even the most empathetic person can't completely understand unless they have experienced it themselves. I feel bad that you are still experiencing this torment. It does get better. RS I am not a health professional in any way. I do not give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner. NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20, 575 to 500 (13%), Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER Feb. 2016 to June 2016 - Was on 150mg Zoloft. Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June 2016, reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016. From July 2016 to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper. STARTING SENSIBLE ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE Dec. 10 2016 - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg. Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mg. Feb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%). Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg. May 9, 2020 1.375 mg. June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%). July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%). August 15, 2020 1.0 mg. Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg. Nov. 28, 2020 .75mg. Jan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%). Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg. May 1, 2021 .375mg. May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg. October 2, 2021 .043mg. October 10, 2021 .038mg. October 23, 2021 .035mg. October 30, 2021 .032mg. Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg. Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg. Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY Link to comment
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